Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips hates the St. Louis Cardinals. Even going as far as to call them “little bitches” yesterday. So you can guess what happened when he stepped in the batter’s box in the bottom of the first inning in today’s Cards-Reds game. I’m sure Phillips would’ve gotten beaned but Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina didn’t let it go that far. He got in Phillips’ face right away, leading to benches clearing, Johnny Cueto kicking and the ejection of managers Tony La Russa and Dusty Baker. I hope MLB doesn’t overreact with the suspensions. This is what a pennant race in the middle of the summer is all about.
Tempers flare early between Cards, Reds [MLB]
If you look closely when Philips enters the batter box, it looks like he intentionally swung his back towards the catchers shins. You can see the catcher kick the bat away, and Philips proceeds to swing his bat near the catchers legs again. Watch this video and look at 4:10, you can see him do it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUF_BlodYkI&feature=related